RESIDENTS of a Bournemouth suburb are being urged to have a say in its future this weekend.

The West Howe Regeneration Partnership has been working with the Design Council to develop a vision for the area, seen as one of the borough’s most deprived.

As it hopes to promote a positive future for the suburb, the partnership is holding a Festival of Design on Friday and Saturday, November 21-22.

Teams of volunteers, known as ambassadors, have been holding walkabouts in the area to hear the views from residents about what changes they would like to shape the future of the area.

The scheme, led by the Design Council, which has merged with the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, aims to create better outside spaces by improving parks, streets and buildings in the area. Now the results can be seen at the two-day event, to be held at various locations on the Friday and Saturday.

Martha Searle, West Howe’s neighbour development officer, said that the festival would be an informal way of sharing the achievements so far and explaining the next stage of the project.

She said: “This is a unique opportunity for people to see what has already been done and for them to share their ideas on how our streets, parks and local facilities could enhance neighbourliness and improve our health and well being.”

An ‘inspiration board’ has been set up in West Howe Library, where residents are being invited to display any photographs they have of good or bad design, both from the local area and further afield.

The Festival timetable is:

Friday, November 21: 10.30am till noon – North Bournemouth Children’s Centre 2-4pm – Heathlands Primary School (for children and families of the school) 7-9.30pm – Henry Brown Youth Centre (for young people) 

Saturday, November 22: 11am to 12.30pm – West Howe Library, including children’s drawing competition 1-7pm – Henry Brown Youth Centre